Federal prosecutors are expected to discuss their role in investigating the kidnapping of two young Amish sisters in northern New York last month.

U.S. Attorney Richard Hartunian has scheduled a news conference in Syracuse Thursday about the Aug. 13 St. Lawrence County kidnapping. His office has declined to comment in advance.

A couple accused by county prosecutors of abducting the girls from their family farm stand - 25-year-old Nicole Vaisey and 39-year-old and Stephen Howells Jr. of Hermon - are being held without bail.

Based on statements from the suspects, authorities say the 7- and 12-year-old girls were shackled and sexually abused before being released the next day in in a community near their home in rural Oswegatchie, close to the Canadian border.